Classic Homemade Meatloaf

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🍽 Classic Homemade Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Staple

👥 Serves: 10–12

⏱ Total Time: 1 hr 20 min

⭐ Difficulty: Easy

🌟 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

  • 1.8 kg (4 lb) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the Glaze

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

🥣 Instructions

1. Prep

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil or lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
  2. Add the eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
  3. Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula — do not overmix, or the meatloaf will be dense.

3. Shape

  1. Transfer mixture to the baking sheet and form into a large loaf shape, or press it into a loaf pan.
    • A free-form loaf allows fat to drain and cooks more evenly.

4. Add the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
  2. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

5. Bake

  1. Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.
  2. Bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest & Serve

  1. Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing (very important for moisture!).
  2. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or salad.

⭐ Tips & Variations

  • Extra juicy: Add ½ cup shredded carrots or ½ cup grated zucchini.
  • More flavor: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or 4 chopped strips of cooked bacon.
  • Spicy version: Add 1–2 tsp chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers.

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